Through an event titled “Gathering of Generations of Beninese Graduates from Cuba: Fidel in Our Lives,” individuals who studied in the Caribbean nation, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country, Cuban residents, and friends of the island reflected on the statesman’s life and work.

  The meeting, which was also attended by Member of Parliament Degla Assouan Comlan Benoit, served as a platform to condemn the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States and to reaffirm the friendship between Cuba and Benin.

  Sponsored by the Caribbean nation’s embassy in this African country and the Association of Beninese Trained in Cuba (ABeFoC), the event provided a space for sharing the experiences of those who studied on the island and discussing the impact of that period—and of Fidel Castro’s ideas—on their lives.

  Graduates from various fields shared their testimonies, stating that the Cuban leader’s ideas and example continue to guide their work in Benin, while also expressing gratitude for Cuba’s solidarity with the world, and specifically with Africa and their own country.

  Addressing the attendees, Ambassador Denisse Amaro recalled Fidel Castro’s vision of solidarity and his commitment to training young Africans as a pillar of South-South cooperation.

  Later in her remarks, she denounced the intensification of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States—which severely affects vital sectors such as health and energy in Cuba—while also expressing appreciation for the gestures of support from Benin.  

  On behalf of the Beninese government, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amour-Marie Ako, congratulated the Cuban people and government, and highlighted Fidel Castro’s legacy in Africa and the strong state of cooperative relations between Benin and Cuba.

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